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Founding of Jamestown
The Virginia Company, a group of around 100 members founded Jamestown, the first permanent English Colony. The settlers struggled in the new lands, with issues such as disease and hunger. They turned to the native tribes with Chief Powhatan and John Smith reaching a mutual trade agreement. This allowed some of the settlers to survive the harsh winter, but many died and were ready to abandon the colony when new ships arrived with settlers and supplies to keep them going. -
Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was a written agreement created by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, creating a government system within their new settlement. It was a social contract, the first of its kind where the people agreed to form a civil body and abide by the laws created. This was one of the first examples of democratic governance within America. It later influenced governments and the U.S. Constitution with its ideals surrounding the people and collective decision-making. -
Founding of Harvard College
Harvard was established to train Puritan ministers showing the emphasis on education that the colonists had. Harvard expanded its curriculum and mission, forming into an intellectual center. It shaped the course of American education. -
Bacons Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion was a revolt led by Nathaniel Bacon against the government leader William Berkeley. The rebellion arose from tensions over economics, native Americans, and the societal hierarchy. It exposed divisions within colonial society and marked a turning point and a shift to slavery. -
Salem Witch Trials
A series of trials in colonial Massachusetts where many people were accused of practicing witchcraft and 20 of them were executed. Caused by mass hysteria the trials reflected fears of the supernatural, and how the pressure of Puritan people got to them. This highlighted the danger of unchecked power, leading to widespread hysteria. They have come to symbolize injustice in America and have served as an example of what not to do for judicial government. -
Stono Rebellion
This was the largest slave uprising in colonial America. Enslaved people sought freedom, so they killed several white settlers, attempting to escape Florida. The rebellion was violently suppressed and led to stricter slave codes and harsher treatment. This showed the tensions within the slave system and the ongoing resistance of enslaved people. Inspiring slaves around the world for decades to come. -
Proclamation Line of 1763
This was a British boundary, prohibiting American colonists from expanding past the Appalachian mountains, onto the land acquired in the French and Indian war. This restricted the colonies from gaining economic independence by restricting the ability of private companies to capitalize on the land. This was a significant break in the ideologies of Americans and British people as the Americans believed this was discriminatory and overly controlling. -
Stamp Act
The act required colonists to pay a tax on many forms of printed documents. The British directly imposed it, and the American legislature had no say in this law. This extremely upset the colonists as they felt like they had no say in anything that was happening to them, this caused the rebellions to become worse. -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre began as a small riot with American people provoking British soldiers. It escalated to the point of the British firing into the crowd of Americans. This stirred insurrection within the American people, leading to more rebellions and riots and inspiring Americans to band together and fight against the British. -
Boston Tea Party
This was an act of protest by Americans against the British government. Americans through 342 boxes of tea into the Boston harbor, they were protesting the tax on tea and monopoly. This caused parliment to impose the Intolerable acts upon the colonists furthering the resentment. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
This was the first battle of the American Revolution, in which colonists fought and won against the Redcoats, leading to a very long war for their freedom. The British's violent response caused many Americans to take arms and join the fight against them. It was also politically harmful for Britain as it made them appear weak, and unable to control their colonies. -
Publication of Common Sense
This was a pamphlet that pushed for American independence from British rule. It was written for the people, challenging the monarchy's legitimacy and calling for democracy. It rallied support for the revolution, reaching a vast audience, Its impact shifted the public opinion on independence, helping to pave the way for the road to victory. -
Phillipsburg Proclamation
This proclamation issues by British General Sir Henry Clinton offered freedom to enslaved people who escaped and joined the British army. This extended the offer from Lord Dunmore to all enslaved individuals no matter their owners stance. It aimed to weaken the colonial war effort and recruit more for the British. It heightened the fear among slave owners and showed how slavery played a role in politics. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty officially ended the war between Great Britain and the United States. It recognized American independence and gave them a lot of territory. It also addressed the rights of the colonial people regarding property that was taken. This marked a significant diplomatic victory for the United States, paving the way for its foundation. -
Shay's Rebellion
This was an uprising in the Massachusetts countryside brought about by a debt crisis. A group of former soldiers held an uprising against debt collection from the war, setting the stage for George Washington's return to politics. -
Connecticut Comprimise
This compromise resolved issues regarding the representation of larger versus smaller states. It was introduced by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth of Connecticut. The compromise established a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate. This agreement was crucial in keeping the peace within the Constitutional Convention. -
Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance protected religious and personal freedom in all newly established Northwest states. It also provided a method for admitting new states and listed a bill of rights they had to follow. This was the first time in America that slavery was declared illegal. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
A series of four laws were passed by Congress during a period when there were tensions with France. These acts made it significantly harder for immigrants to become US citizens and allowed the president to detain or deport non-citizens. The sedition act criminalized speaking against the federal government, targeting political opposition. This was the first time that the US government had gone against constitutional rights. -
Judiciary Act of 1789
This established the federal judiciary branch. It created a three-tier structure, the Supreme Court, district court, and Circuit courts. The act also gave the Supreme Court the authority to resolve conflicts between laws. This act gave the supreme court its power, and established that it was more important than all other courts. -
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was an uprising of farmers in Pennsylvania who protested an excise task on Whiskey. This tax was a part of Alexander Hamilton's economic plan, which effected smaller distillers disproportionately. President George Washington led a militia of troops to suppress the rebellion, this was the first use of federal force under the new constitution. This proved the government's ability to maintain order and sparked debate over state versus federal power. -
First Bank of the United States
The First Bank of the United States was created by Alexander Hamilton and it was the country's first central bank. It was created in hopes of stabilizing the young economy, managing war debt, and providing a national currency. Although some people believed the bank only benefitted the wealthy, it laid the foundation for modern financial systems in the United States. -
Revolution of 1800
This was the presidential election of 1800 where Thomas Jefferson beat John Adams, creating the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in U.S. History. This showed the strength of the democratic system and strengthened the power of the people. It heightened tensions between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans but showed the Constitution's ability to handle political conflict. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a land acquisition in which the United States purchased a large territory from France. This deal doubled the size of the US providing land for westward expansion and giving them control of the Mississippi. Jefferson was concerned about the constitutionality of such a purchase but he justified it as necessary for the nation's future. This acquisition fueled economic growth, exploration, and debates over slavery in new territories. -
Marbury v. Madison
This Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. This case happened because William Marbury sued James Madison for failing to deliver his commission. John Marshall ruled that although Marbury had a right to his commission, the law he brought his claim under was unconstitutional. Strengthening the power of the Supreme Court and solidifying its role as a branch of government. -
Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo Act of 1807 signed by Thomas Jefferson was a response to British and French interference in American Trade. The act prohibited American ships from trading In foreign ports, hoping to pressure foreign countries into respecting American trade rights and neutrality. Unfortunately, this trade devastated the U.S. economy, specifically in regions where trade was most popular. -
Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves
This law banned the importation of enslaved people into the U.S. While it ended the international slave trade domestic slavery expanded through population growth and the internal slave trade within the South. The act marked a symbolic step toward abolition but also highlighted the issues of addressing slavery within a divided nation. -
Battle of Tippecanoe
This was a US victory led by William Henry Harrison over the Shawnee Indians. It happened due to repetitive attacks by native Americans and the consistent breaking of treaties by Colonists. This battle helped to establish Harrisons reputation, and eventually led him to win the election in 1840. -
Battle of Fort Mackinac
British Captian Charles Robert and his army of 1006 soldiers surrounded an American military base housing only 70 soldiers led by Porter Hanks. Quickly realizing he was outnumbered, Hanks surrendered without a fight. This was considered treason as he didn't even try to resist or fight against the British. -
Capture of the USS Chesapeake
The American frigate commanded by Captian James Lawrence engaged the British frigate HMS Shannon off the coast of Boston. Despite the Chesapeake's strong reputation, the British crew overpowered it in a short battle lasting approximately 15 min. The Chesapeake defeat was a blow to American morale but also underscored the need for a stronger navy. -
Missouri Comprimise
The Missouri Compromise was an important agreement aimed at resolving the conflict over the expansion of slavery in new territories. It allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while admitting Maine as a free state. It also prohibited slavery in the Louisiana territory north of the 36 latitude line. The compromise temporarily eased sectional tensions but highlighted the divide that would lead to the Civil War. -
The Election of 1824
Nobody got a majority, so for the first time, the vote went to the House of Reps. Henry Clay drops out and Crawford dies, so that leaves Adams and Jackson. Adams and Clay meet privately, and Clay supports Adams as president in the House. When Adams gets elected, he appoints Clay as Sec. of State. Jackson and his supporters call this a "corrupt bargain". This was why many Americans didn't support him. He passed the Tariff of Abominations and used the spoils system. -
Election of 1828
This created the first modern political campaign with local politics and meetings. He also used the spoils system. He preferred ordinary Americans over elites. Because of Adam's tariffs, S.C. states that the law was null and void in their state because it didn't value them. He told Congress to use the army to enforce laws. Clay proposed the Compromise Tariff and S.C. repealed the Nullification Ordinance. -
Nat Turners Rebellion
This rebellion was a slave revolt that happened in Virginia led by an enslaved preacher Nat Turner. Turner and his followers killed around 60 white people, mainly plantation owners. It was quickly suppressed and Turner was captured and executed. This event sparked fear among slaveholders, leading to harsher laws and deepening the divide over slavery. -
Texas Independence
Mexico wanted Texas to be safer and productive, so they gave away land. Many Americans moved there. Once it was full, they closed borders and started enforcing religion and outlawing slavery. Texans got angry, and Americans, who had family and friends there wanted to help. An Independence war broke out, and people helped but the government didn't. America helps after Texas annexes. They got large territories around Texas due to the Treaty. -
Mexican American War
This was a conflict between the US and Mexico over land and America's westward expansion. The war began after the US annexation of Texas. It ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo where Mexico was forced to give up much land. This reshaped America's land and increased debates about slavery in these new territories. -
Invention of the Telegraph
The invention of the telegraph by Samuel Morse changed communication forever. It allowed messages to be sent over long distant using electric signals. The telegraph transformed business, journalism, politics, and personal communication, laying the foundation for modern communication system and speeding up economic and social change. -
Seneca Falls Convention
This was the first women's rights convention in the United States. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized it, addressing the inequalities women faced. They drafted the Declaration of Sentiments, which called for equal rights regarding women's suffrage. This marked the first organized women's rights movement. -
Comprimise of 1850
New states argued over being free or slave states and the Missouri Compromise broke down. Henry Clay came up with the compromise that California would enter as a free state, slave trade was ended in D.C., and stricter fugitive slave laws would be enacted. Later states would be governed by Popular Sovereignty where each state's voters would vote on wether they wanted to be a slave or free state. -
Dred Scott Decision
He was a slave who moved to the north with his owner. He sued for his freedom due to being in a free state. The Supreme Court voted against him and set the precedent that blacks had no rights, the bounds of slavery didn't dissolve in free states, and that there was really no fully free state. That took abolitionists back from power and added to the tension and violence that was already there over the issue of slavery. -
Panic of 1857
The Panic of 1857 was a financial crisis caused by a decline in international trade and the failure of several banks. It began with the collapse of Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company and then quickly spread, leading to widespread economic hardship. This Panic heightened sectional tensions, contributing to the divisions that led to the civil war. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
This battle marked the start of the Civil War, the fort was held by Union forces but was surrounded by Confederate troops after South Carolina seceded from the Union. Union efforts to bring in supplies were seen as a provocation leading Confederate forces bombarding the fort until they surrendered. This event rallied both the North and the South, leading Lincoln to call for 75,000 troops marking the start of the war. -
Pacific Railway Act
This was enacted by Lincoln to connect East and West. This would expand global trade. They funded it half in the beginning and the rest by mile. They hired two companies to meet in the middle. This made it become more of a race. It had to be completed by 1872. It was done by 1869, three years earlier. This sped up settlement west, but also rose Native American tensions. -
Homestead Act
Another act by Lincoln. This encouraged settlement and development of the west. They offered land gratns for 160 acres for free as long as you lived there for 5 years, grew agriculture, and improved the land with homes, fences, or barns. This sped up the settlement and tensions with Natives. There were many massacres and eventually, they were forced onto smaller and smaller reservations. -
Battle of Gettysburg
This was one of the turning points in the war. It was the bloodiest battle. General Lee marched North which caused fear and hadn't happened yet in this war. He gets defeated and most of his army is dead or injured. They lose major troop strength and don't win any battles after. Lincoln took this moment and delivered the Gettysburg Address. -
13th Amendment
Because the radical Republicans had a supermajority, they could pass things through more easily. They used their persuasion with the South to get these passed. This amendment banned slavery for good, and made it so get readmitted as a state, confederate states had to add this into their new constitution. This was a permanent solution that they believed Democrats couldn't easily change. -
15th Amendment
This gave voting rotes to all male citizens regardless of ethnicity or race. This was a very radical idea as some people called into question the education that people may have. It was so unpopular that they had to shove it through. This meant that they got voted out in the next Congressional election. Although these Amendments were passed, they got widely ignored in the South. -
Panic of 1873
This was an economic depression that started in the United States but spread globally. Triggered by the collapse of the Jay Cooke Company, a major bank that was heavily involved in railroad financing. The Panic led to widespread bank failure, business bankruptcies, and high unemployment which hit the laborers especially hard. The depression weakened support for Reconstruction as economic concerns became the main priority. -
Battle of Little Bighorn
This was a significant battle between the US Army and a combined force of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. Led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, the 7th Calvary had underestimated the Native forces and were massacred in what was called Custers Last Stand. This Native victory was short-lived as it only made matters worse for them regarding other rights and land. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
This was the first US law which restricted immigration based on nationality. It prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers for 10 years and didn't alow current Chinese immigrants citizenship. The act had lasting effects allowing for systemic racism and setting a precedent for future discriminatory policies. -
Wounded Knee Massacre
This marked an end to the Indian wars. US soldiers surrounded a group of Lakota Sioux who had been performing a traditional Ghost Dance. Tensions escalated when soldiers attempted to disarm the Indians, leading to an outbreak of violence resulting in the deaths of approximately 300. This showed the consequences of US expansion.